Replacing Vintage Glassware and Dishes

If you're looking for a replacement piece for Grandma's Wedding discontinued China Pattern that was accidentally broken...then you're in luck! Today it's so easy to find a piece from the past, just look on the Internet! You no longer have to sit on the phone for costly hours or go from one place to the next to find the matching pattern. There are web sites that specialize in replacing Good China, Everyday Retro Dishes, Glasses, Bar Ware, etc.

The better China manufacturers usually have replacement dishes or will direct you to where they can be found. There are also web sites that specialize in searching for a pattern for you. Then there's eBay and other Auction sites that may have what you're looking for.

Researching on the Internet will take an hour or two and saves on running around, wasting time and gas. However, if you're not lucky enough to find it on the Information Highway, then try the Paved Highway going to Yard Sales, Flea Markets, Thrift Stores, Estate Sales, Church Bazaars, School Fund Raisers, and Goodwill. You'd be surprised what you can stumble on in your travels! Plus it's a lot of fun to get out and meet people that can give you the history behind each dish that you buy. I personally find Yard Sales and Estate Sales an interesting and informative experience.

In my many travels I've found Pyrex from the 60's, vintage Libby Gold Leaf Patter, Designer Glassware, Bar Ware, Blue Willow Dishes, Delft Dishes, Tea Sets and Chocolate Sets, Pitchers, Cookie Jars, Lazy Susans and and unusual items such as a bread and butter plate, Salts, serving dishes, tea cups and saucers, Salt & Pepper Shakers and so many more! I've sold quite a lot in my eBay store and even had requests for certain pieces.

I've also found brands such as Royal Albert, Johnson Brother, Wedgwood, Lenox, Royal Doulton, Noritake, Pfaltzstaff, and many more.

Funny story about how I bought the Royal Doulton cups and Saucers! Went to a Yard Sale somewhere in an out-of-the-way neighborhood in the mountains of Virginia. I spotted a kitten drinking milk from a saucer next to the Sale Table. While stroking the kitty, I gently lifted the saucer and noticed that it had the Royal Doulton Mark. I asked if the kitten was for sale and it was, then I told her that I'd like to buy the dish for it also. She told me that it wasn't a problem because she had more in the house! Total sale for a set of 4 Royal Daulton Cups & Saucers and the kitten was $15.00; $10.00 for the kitten and $5.00 for the dishes.

You may also place an ad for your plea for that special piece on Craig's List or in your local Pennysaver Newsletter.

Internet research is fast and easy for the person with a fast paced life. But give me the Yard Sales for the thrill of the hunt any day!